France · Bordeaux

Vieux Chateau Certan

Vieux Château Certan is the oldest and arguably the most aristocratic estate on the Pomerol plateau, with origins predating the region's classification era. Owned by the Belgian Thienpont family since 1924, the 14-hectare estate is distinguished by Pomerol's highest proportion of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon — typically 35–40% combined — giving a structured, Médoc-like complexity rare on the right bank. The Pomerol grand vin, represented across 1,660 auction lots averaging $377, is the benchmark for Pomerol complexity and longevity. Benchmark vintages include 2012 — when winemaker Alexandre Thienpont orchestrated one of the vintage's defining wines — plus 2010, 2015, 2018, and the legendary 1948 and 1961. At auction, VCC rarely dips below $200 per bottle for recent vintages and regularly exceeds $800 for top years. La Gravette de Certan, the second wine, trades at a significant discount but sources from the same vineyard. The estate's distinctive encépagement (approximately 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) varies vintage to vintage based on terroir expression; the Cabernet Franc is particularly revered. Alexandre Thienpont has managed the estate since the mid-1980s and produces in volumes of approximately 30,000–35,000 bottles annually. The ceiling price of the database ($1,599 for La Gravette noted, up to higher for grand vin) reflects strong collector demand.